Starting a 90g FOWLR tank, and have some questions

NTP66 · 09/29/2012, 06:09 AM

This may be my first post, but I've spent countless hours searching these forums in preparation for my first marine tank. I've had freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember, and still have a 55g setup currently, so this is what I consider to be natural progression.

Anyway, after all of the research I've done, I still have some questions that I'd like to clear up before moving forward with purchasing the rest of the equipment. Here's what I'm planning on running:

Equipment:

Aqueon 90g pre-drilled (center offset) tank w/ MegaFlow overflow kit
Aqueon Classic Pine 48x18 stand w/ DIY mesh top
AquaticLife 48" 1W LED lighting
Eshopps RS-100 [20g] sump
Eheim 1260 return pump
Reef Octopus NWB-150 protein skimmer
Koralife Evolution 750 powerheads (x2)
Aqueon Pro 250 heater (in-sump)
Eheim Jager 250 heater (in the overflow area)
RO/DI system
Apex Jr. Controller (for the powerheads and heaters, and possibly the light)
Undecided: gravity-fed ATO basin with RO water using a float valve

Livestock and Rock:

90lbs. live rock
Combination of live sand and regular sand, all medium (no fine sand or crushed coral)
Rectangular Trigger
Foxface Rabbitfish
Blue Spotted Puffer
Flame Angelfish

Okay, so now for the questions:

Overall, does this setup sound reasonable? I realize that there is better equipment available, but I'm trying to stick to a budget since this is my first saltwater tank, while also not getting all "budget" equipment.
Are the two Koralia 750s enough for a 90g FOWLR? I swear I have read at least 100 threads, and everyone seems to have a different tank on this. Sticking with Koralia's, my other thought was to use either two 1050's or a 1050 and 1400, if I truly did need more flow.
I bought the Eheim 1260 knowing that if I did need more flow for the return, I could always spend the $10 on the impeller cover to effectively give it the same flow as a 1262. Given that the sump is going to sit directly below the overflow area, and have approximately 4' of head height, should I even bother modifying this pump or just go with it for now?
The one item I'm stuck on right now is the RO/DI system. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Bulk Reef Supply 5 Stage Plus 75gpd system, the SpectraPure MaxCap 90gpd system, or the Air, Water & Ice Extreme Typhoon III 150gpd system. I've read good things about all three units, so I'm kind of stuck as to which one I should go with. Keep in mind, I don't care much about the difference in GPD on these systems. I'm not going to have one of those crazy setups where the RO/DI system is perpetually on and feeding large containers. I basically plan on filling up one large container in the basement, and pumping what I need into a transfer container to fill up the sump (or top-off basin if I go that route).

I think that's it for now. Really, I'm just looking for any tips/suggestions on my proposed setup, or any concerns somebody sees with what I'd like to do. I want to do this the right way the first time, which is why I'm spending entirely too much time online these days researching this stuff, as my wife has been kind enough to remind me lately.

Mahalo in advance!

Nick

Denbf58 · 09/29/2012, 06:39 AM

as for doing fish only it looks like you are off to a good start. i have the brs 5 stage plus and i am very happy with it . as for amount of flow when the tank is up and running you find if the are dead spots for flow you may have to add more or larger power heads good luck and remember to take your time no good comes from rushing.

To Reef Central

All6Fish · 09/29/2012, 06:41 AM

I would use more LR, maybe 120 lbs.

MrTuskfish · 09/29/2012, 11:02 AM

Do you have a QT?

NTP66 · 09/30/2012, 04:39 AM

I have an older 29g tank that I was planning on using as a QT (with the old HOB filter from my previous FW tank and a heater).

johnike · 09/30/2012, 05:19 AM

Sounds like you're off to a good start.
Read the stickies, and welcome.

NTP66 · 10/01/2012, 07:50 AM

So, I've got another, possibly dumb, question. I picked up the tank and stand yesterday, and got the sump installed (had to go through the top of the stand, so I hope that I never have to take that thing out again). The Reef Octopus NWB-150 has a relatively large footprint (12.6x8.7x22), and will be a bit of a tight squeeze in the skimmer area (listed as 12x11 officially, but those measurements are taken from the filter sock bar up top... the actual skimmer area would be more like 16x11, and I plan on having the skimmer pump under this filter sock area).

Problem is, I don't see any way of getting that skimmer into the sump through the doors of the Aqueon stand. I was hoping to at least have water cycling in the tank before installing the skimmer, but now think I'll have to move the tank again to drop the skimmer into place. My question is, outside of removing the skimmer cup, would there be any reason that I'd have to remove the skimmer from the sump area later on? There's no way I'd be able to continually move the tank if I had to take the skimmer out. This almost has me considering spending quite a bit more money on an XS-160 because of its smaller footprint, though I'm not sure I want a skimmer with the pump within the base.

NTP66 · 10/02/2012, 12:25 PM

I swear it's almost a curse to wait until Black Friday sales to complete this tank, because I keep changing my mind. I'm now toying with the idea of scrapping the Koralia 750s for either a single Vortech MP40 or a pair of Tunze powerheads. With regards to the MP40, would a single unit do a good enough job of providing flow and eliminating dead spots (my tank is a 4' long 90g)? I'm just a little lost on this, because I don't know what to expect here. I'm also concerned about noise, which I know is trivial in the long run.

chrisfont23 · 10/02/2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTP66

I swear it's almost a curse to wait until Black Friday sales to complete this tank, because I keep changing my mind. I'm now toying with the idea of scrapping the Koralia 750s for either a single Vortech MP40 or a pair of Tunze powerheads. With regards to the MP40, would a single unit do a good enough job of providing flow and eliminating dead spots (my tank is a 4' long 90g)? I'm just a little lost on this, because I don't know what to expect here. I'm also concerned about noise, which I know is trivial in the long run.

A single MP40 is fine. I actually have two MP10s in my 90 and it's plenty

09/29/2012, 06:09 AM	#1
NTP66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 975	Starting a 90g FOWLR tank, and have some questions This may be my first post, but I've spent countless hours searching these forums in preparation for my first marine tank. I've had freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember, and still have a 55g setup currently, so this is what I consider to be natural progression. Anyway, after all of the research I've done, I still have some questions that I'd like to clear up before moving forward with purchasing the rest of the equipment. Here's what I'm planning on running: Equipment: Aqueon 90g pre-drilled (center offset) tank w/ MegaFlow overflow kit Aqueon Classic Pine 48x18 stand w/ DIY mesh top AquaticLife 48" 1W LED lighting Eshopps RS-100 [20g] sump Eheim 1260 return pump Reef Octopus NWB-150 protein skimmer Koralife Evolution 750 powerheads (x2) Aqueon Pro 250 heater (in-sump) Eheim Jager 250 heater (in the overflow area) RO/DI system Apex Jr. Controller (for the powerheads and heaters, and possibly the light) Undecided: gravity-fed ATO basin with RO water using a float valve Livestock and Rock: 90lbs. live rock Combination of live sand and regular sand, all medium (no fine sand or crushed coral) Rectangular Trigger Foxface Rabbitfish Blue Spotted Puffer Flame Angelfish Okay, so now for the questions: Overall, does this setup sound reasonable? I realize that there is better equipment available, but I'm trying to stick to a budget since this is my first saltwater tank, while also not getting all "budget" equipment. Are the two Koralia 750s enough for a 90g FOWLR? I swear I have read at least 100 threads, and everyone seems to have a different tank on this. Sticking with Koralia's, my other thought was to use either two 1050's or a 1050 and 1400, if I truly did need more flow. I bought the Eheim 1260 knowing that if I did need more flow for the return, I could always spend the $10 on the impeller cover to effectively give it the same flow as a 1262. Given that the sump is going to sit directly below the overflow area, and have approximately 4' of head height, should I even bother modifying this pump or just go with it for now? The one item I'm stuck on right now is the RO/DI system. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Bulk Reef Supply 5 Stage Plus 75gpd system, the SpectraPure MaxCap 90gpd system, or the Air, Water & Ice Extreme Typhoon III 150gpd system. I've read good things about all three units, so I'm kind of stuck as to which one I should go with. Keep in mind, I don't care much about the difference in GPD on these systems. I'm not going to have one of those crazy setups where the RO/DI system is perpetually on and feeding large containers. I basically plan on filling up one large container in the basement, and pumping what I need into a transfer container to fill up the sump (or top-off basin if I go that route). I think that's it for now. Really, I'm just looking for any tips/suggestions on my proposed setup, or any concerns somebody sees with what I'd like to do. I want to do this the right way the first time, which is why I'm spending entirely too much time online these days researching this stuff, as my wife has been kind enough to remind me lately. Mahalo in advance! Nick

09/29/2012, 06:39 AM	#2
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	as for doing fish only it looks like you are off to a good start. i have the brs 5 stage plus and i am very happy with it . as for amount of flow when the tank is up and running you find if the are dead spots for flow you may have to add more or larger power heads good luck and remember to take your time no good comes from rushing. *To Reef Central* __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

09/29/2012, 11:02 AM	#4
MrTuskfish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Wild Blue Yonder Posts: 8,887	Do you have a QT? __________________ If God didn't want us to eat animals, he wouldn't have made them out of meat. Steve Current Tank Info: 180, 2-240 FOWLRs, 240 reef

09/29/2012, 06:41 AM	#3
All6Fish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Meriden, Ct Posts: 532	I would use more LR, maybe 120 lbs.

09/30/2012, 04:39 AM	#5
NTP66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 975	I have an older 29g tank that I was planning on using as a QT (with the old HOB filter from my previous FW tank and a heater).

09/30/2012, 05:19 AM	#6
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	Sounds like you're off to a good start. Read the stickies, and welcome.

10/01/2012, 07:50 AM	#7
NTP66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 975	So, I've got another, possibly dumb, question. I picked up the tank and stand yesterday, and got the sump installed (had to go through the top of the stand, so I hope that I never have to take that thing out again). The Reef Octopus NWB-150 has a relatively large footprint (12.6x8.7x22), and will be a bit of a tight squeeze in the skimmer area (listed as 12x11 officially, but those measurements are taken from the filter sock bar up top... the actual skimmer area would be more like 16x11, and I plan on having the skimmer pump under this filter sock area). Problem is, I don't see any way of getting that skimmer into the sump through the doors of the Aqueon stand. I was hoping to at least have water cycling in the tank before installing the skimmer, but now think I'll have to move the tank again to drop the skimmer into place. My question is, outside of removing the skimmer cup, would there be any reason that I'd have to remove the skimmer from the sump area later on? There's no way I'd be able to continually move the tank if I had to take the skimmer out. This almost has me considering spending quite a bit more money on an XS-160 because of its smaller footprint, though I'm not sure I want a skimmer with the pump within the base.

10/02/2012, 12:25 PM	#8
NTP66 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 975	I swear it's almost a curse to wait until Black Friday sales to complete this tank, because I keep changing my mind. I'm now toying with the idea of scrapping the Koralia 750s for either a single Vortech MP40 or a pair of Tunze powerheads. With regards to the MP40, would a single unit do a good enough job of providing flow and eliminating dead spots (my tank is a 4' long 90g)? I'm just a little lost on this, because I don't know what to expect here. I'm also concerned about noise, which I know is trivial in the long run.